A Sarnia business owner was defrauded out of more than $119,000 after allegedly being drawn into a sophisticated scheme involving a fictitious supplier, a fake website, and a non-existent piece of equipment.

Sarnia police said the investigation dates back to late January, after the victim reported losing money in connection with an attempted equipment purchase. According to police, the business owner had been asked in October 2025 by another company to supply a product that was not in stock.

The victim searched online and located what appeared to be a seller offering the rare and unique piece of equipment. Police said the seller appeared to be the only supplier carrying the item, and the supplier’s website looked legitimate.

The business owner sent three money transfers to purchase the equipment. After the transfers were completed, the victim discovered that the purchase order, the website, and the specific item were all fictitious.

Investigators with the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Division traced the transferred funds to Canadian bank accounts that police say had been opened using fake identities. Police later determined that activity on the accounts was occurring in a specific area of Toronto.

On June 16, Sarnia police executed a search warrant at a Toronto residence with assistance from the Toronto Police Service and Canada Border Services Agency officers.

Police said officers seized $44,880 in Canadian currency, $10,000 in U.S. currency, 46 bank cards, eight cell phones, two laptops, an iPad, jewellery, luxury watches, and a briefcase containing fraudulent documents and identification.

A 34-year-old Toronto man was arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and obstructing a peace officer.

Police said a warrant has also been issued for a 29-year-old man on charges of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and obstructing a peace officer.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.